Duty Manager in Southwell

Duty Manager in Southwell

Southwell Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage catering and hospitality operations at a premier racecourse.
  • Company: Join ARC, a diverse and inclusive team at Southwell Racecourse and Golf Course.
  • Benefits: Enjoy member passes, hotel discounts, generous annual leave, and health perks.
  • Other info: Thriving environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting sporting venue and make a real impact on customer experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and the food and beverage industry is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Duty Manager. At ARC we embrace diversity, we develop our people, we care for our visitors, we think about our impact and we are proud of our sport.

Who is Southwell Racecourse and Golf Course? Set in the town of Southwell near Newark and one of only six all-weather racecourse tracks in the UK, Southwell has its own unique charm and character, making it one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands. After previously owning the UK’s only fibresand surface All-Weather track, Southwell switched over to a Tapeta surface as of 2021. With racing on both All-Weather and Turf tracks taking place throughout the year, we are one of the country's busiest racecourses. Not only are we Horseracing at Southwell, we are also home to Southwell Golf Club. The course has two contrasting nine holes. The Front 9 sits within Southwell Racecourse and is characterised by a large number of water hazards. The 7th hole, a 138 yards par 3 with an island green is Southwell’s signature hole.

About the role: Working closely with the Management Team, the Duty Manager oversees race day and non-race day retail and bar operations at Southwell Racecourse, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient operations and high hospitality standards. The role involves leading teams, improving labour efficiency through training, driving innovation across hospitality areas and supporting profitable, customer-focused operations. The Duty Manager also works closely with the Catering team to deliver safe, well-organised events and manages the overall site in the absence of the Catering Manager.

Responsibilities for the successful Duty Manager include (but not limited to):

  • Lead and manage all catering, hospitality, and event operations across race day and non-race day activities.
  • Ensure high standards of customer service, operational delivery, and venue presentation at all times.
  • Support the planning, coordination, and successful execution of events and large-scale hospitality operations.
  • Manage staffing levels, rotas, training, and team performance to ensure efficient service delivery.
  • Work closely with the Head Chef and senior management to control budgets, stock, labour costs, and profitability.
  • Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, licensing, and company procedures.
  • Handle customer enquiries, complaints, and client relationships in a professional manner.
  • Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to maximise efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversee stock control, cash handling, ordering, and invoicing processes.
  • Maintain safe, clean, and secure event spaces, bars, hospitality areas, and back-of-house operations.
  • Lead by example, promoting strong teamwork, communication, and a positive working culture.
  • Act as an ambassador for the racecourse, maintaining professional standards and supporting business growth opportunities.

The person we are looking for as a Duty Manager has:

  • Experience of leading and managing a team of people.
  • Experience in the food and beverage industry.
  • Experience in sporting, racing, leisure or hotel background would be an advantage.
  • Strong communication skills – able to communicate at all levels.
  • Strong organisational skills.
  • Ability to work to strict pressured deadlines.

Work Perks of being a Duty Manager with us at ARC:

  • 2 Annual Members passes, giving access to over 1500 racedays.
  • Hotel Discounts and Complimentary Golf.
  • Annual leave starting at 22 days increasing up to 28 in line with length of service.
  • Pension & Group life assurance schemes.
  • Healthshield – including 24hr GP & EAP.
  • …and so much more!

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today! At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions. We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top-down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.

Closing Date 03-07-2026

Duty Manager in Southwell employer: Arena Racing Company Careers

Wolverhampton Racecourse is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of the West Midlands. With a focus on outstanding hospitality and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can expect a supportive culture that values their contributions. The role of Casual Night Porter not only provides opportunities for personal growth but also allows you to be part of an exciting team that makes every race day memorable.

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Contact Details:

Arena Racing Company Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Duty Manager in Southwell

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even pop into local venues to chat with staff. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview or informal chat, let your passion for hospitality and sports shine through. Be genuine and enthusiastic about what you can bring to the team at Southwell Racecourse.

Tip Number 3

Research is key! Familiarise yourself with Southwell Racecourse's operations, recent events, and their unique offerings. This will not only help you stand out but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at ARC and ready to be part of our exciting journey.

We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager in Southwell

Team Leadership
Customer Service
Operational Management
Event Coordination
Budget Control
Health & Safety Compliance
Food Safety Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about being a Duty Manager at Southwell Racecourse and Golf Course. Share your love for hospitality and sports!

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in the food and beverage industry or any previous management roles. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.

Be Professional Yet Approachable:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value strong communication skills, so show us how you can connect with people at all levels!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arena Racing Company Careers

Know the Venue Inside Out

Before your interview, take some time to research Southwell Racecourse and Golf Course. Familiarise yourself with its history, unique features, and recent changes like the switch to a Tapeta surface. This knowledge will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Duty Manager, you'll be leading teams and ensuring high standards. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or improved service delivery. Highlight your ability to motivate others and handle challenges effectively.

Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence

Customer service is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've handled customer complaints or enhanced guest experiences in previous positions. Use specific examples to illustrate your commitment to providing top-notch service.

Prepare Questions About Operations

Show your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the operational aspects of the Duty Manager position. Ask about the challenges they face during race days or how they measure success in hospitality operations. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.